Pilot Study: Chinese GP 2024 Memes on Twitter
This pilot study investigates the use of memes on Twitter following the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix (GP).
1. Introduction
Phenomenon: The role of memes in capturing fan reactions and commentary surrounding the 2024 Chinese GP.
Societal/Academic Relevance:
Memes offer a unique lens into online fan culture, reflecting humor, shared experiences, and critiques.
Analyzing memes can reveal insights into public perception of F1 races, drivers, and controversies.
Brief Literature Exploration:
Briefly mention existing research on memes and their communicative function in online spaces.
If available, reference studies on sports fan culture and online humor within specific fan communities.
Research Question: What dominant themes and narratives emerge within memes related to the 2024 Chinese GP on Twitter?
2. Methodology
Method: Content Analysis
Rationale: Content analysis allows for systematic examination of the themes and messages embedded within memes.
Data Source: Twitter
Sampling:
Define the timeframe (e.g., race weekend and immediate post-race period).
Develop search terms including relevant hashtags (#ChineseGP2024, #F1, team/driver hashtags) and keywords related to the race.
Explain how you will select memes (e.g., high engagement metrics like retweets and favorites).
Coding Scheme:
Meme format (image macro, video, GIF)
Target (driver, team, race event, F1 officials)
Theme (race outcome, driver performance, controversies, technical issues)
Sentiment (positive, negative, humorous)
3. Pilot Analysis
Method Use: Briefly describe how you applied the coding scheme to a small sample (15-20) of tweets containing Chinese GP 2024 memes.
Sample Characteristics: Describe your selection criteria, source of the memes, and any notable features of the sample (e.g., prevalence of specific meme formats).
Analysis Results:
Present your findings in a structured way, potentially using tables or figures to show trends.
Discuss the dominant themes, narratives, and targets you identified in the memes.
Include concrete examples of memes and how they exemplify identified themes.
4. Conclusion
Method Suitability:
Did content analysis effectively reveal the key aspects of humor and communication within the meme sample?
Discuss how this method helped uncover themes and narratives surrounding the race.
Limitations:
Acknowledge limitations of a small sample size.
Address potential challenges in interpreting subjective humor or cultural references in memes.
Future Directions:
How might this pilot inform a larger-scale study of Chinese GP 2024 memes?
Could you incorporate additional methods like network analysis to understand how memes are shared and spread?
